Heat tape (or heating tape, as it’s sometimes referred to) is a way you can implement low-key freeze protection for your exposed pipes during the winter. In fact, this handy technology can even be used to safeguard instrumentation and other devices that are left out in the cold. However, as savvy as this approach sounds, did you know that there is a much better solution?

Heat Tape Uses

Heat tape, also known as heat trace or heating cable, has its uses in very small applications, but in most scenarios, it can be like putting a Band-Aid on a broken bone. Such a technology offers direct heat only where the tape contacts the apparatus on which it’s placed, like pipe heating.

Heat tape comes in a variety of forms. In some products, heat tape is literally a roll of tape with heating wiring embedded in it. Heat tape can also be in the form of a flat wire cable that conducts heat, or even a roll of heating elements. Each variation of heat tape uses the same principle of heating, but are individually suited to different heating tasks. For example, some forms of heat tape are more water resistant than others.

Heat tape can help prevent ice buildup on roofs and in gutters.

In each case, heat tape of any variety works virtually the same way. Heat conducted by electricity warms the surface of anything the heat tape is applied to. Common uses of heat tape include roofing tiles and gutters to melt snow and ice, as well as water pipes to prevent freezing during colder times of the year.

Heat tape is better than pipe insulation due to its warming abilities, as opposed to helping keep heat in. From metal to fiberglass pipe, heat tape is a preferred choice for short-term heating needs.

Check For Warmth

When using any kind of heat tape, you will need to check to see if the tape is working effectively. Once you install the heat tape in the desired application, place your hand on the tape every ten minutes to see if the warming process has begun. If so, the tape will continue to build up in heat until reaching the preset designated temperature is reached. If not, there is something wrong with your tape.

Another way to see if your heat tape is working is to check if your pipes have frozen. It’s kind of an obvious way to check, but it will give you a sure sign nonetheless. Heat tape that is not working could be broken in a number of ways. There could be a short in the wiring, or a burnt out heating element. Other possibilities is that the power source for the heat tape has been disconnected. As mentioned above, heat tape is a temporary fix and should not be used as a end all solution.

When used on metal pipes, the heat exchange is bound to spread, merely because metal is an obvious conductor of heat. With this in mind, then, we can see another limitation in the freeze protection offered by heating tape; it can only be used on heat conductive surfaces.

Issues with Heat Tape

Aside from this, another problem with heating tape is the simple fact that it offers only heat. Such an approach provides no insulation against the cold. Insulation on its own isn’t enough; that’s for sure. But neither is heat. Instead, the proper combination for free protection and temperature regulation is the combination of both. If you need a quick, temporary heating fix, then heat tape is your friend. In all other cases, however, you’re going to need a more flexible, reliable product. And this is where heating blankets come in.

Heating Blankets Bolster Safety and Efficiency

Heating blankets are much more effective than heat tape at keeping pipes warm.

Now that we’ve sufficiently covered all the shortcomings of heating tape, we can address the characteristics of a far better solution. That far better solution is heating blankets, or heat blankets. Heat blankets are a combination of heat-distribution capabilities married with durable insulation for a myriad of industrial and commercial applications.

In the case of Powerblanket, we offer a revolutionary and patented approach to heating blankets. Our durable vinyl shells are capable of insulating assets in temperatures as low as -50° F. What’s more, Powerblanket heating blankets offer the best and most efficient heat distribution on the market. So if you have valuable material or equipment to protect from the effects of cold weather, give us a call today at 866.945.4203 or by email at [email protected]

For more information about Powerblanket pipe heating solutions, click here.

Pipe Heaters

Need Custom Heating for Your Equipment? Answer These Questions

Do you need custom heating for a specific and unique application? Although there are various standardized heating solutions available, to determine the right solution, either standard or custom, a few initial questions need to be understood. The first of the discovery questions is to identify the desired result of the application which is generally one or a combination of the following:

Freeze Protection: Generally to protect from the elements or cold climate

What is the beginning temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What is the desired final temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What temperature range is acceptable?

Are there upper or lower temperatures where the substance or contents will be damaged?

Is there a time frame requirement for the initial cool down?

What power source is preferred (120, 208, 240, DC)?

How far away is the power source (cord length)?

Do you require UL/CSA certified products?

Is your location considered hazardous (Class I Division 2)?

How many units do you need now and in the future?

What is the required delivery date?

Custom Heating Case Study

Powerblanket completed a project for a large chemical company to solve freeze protection problems. The company stores a chemical solution in large 4,000 to 8,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. Their customers live in various climates throughout North America. This solution is water based and freezes at roughly 32°F. This company needed freeze protection and to maintain regular temperatures between 40°F -70°F.

The question became, “How do we provide a ‘one size fit all’ customized solution for various climates?” Powerblanket created a modular custom design, adjustable by region and tank size, that came in two pieces.

Powerblanket engineers calculated the amount of heat and insulation required to combat freezing temperatures and wind chill to maintain optimal temperatures in these various climates. What appeared to be a complicated application turned into a simple and effective custom solution.

So many industries need heating solutions, and not just during the cold months either. Epoxy curing, chemical storage, viscosity maintenance, food preparations, concrete curing, and much more all benefit from innovative temperature regulation year round.

Custom Heating vs. Ready to Ship Products

Powerblanket manufactures an extensive line of ready-to-ship products designed and engineered for a myriad of purposes. For example, if you store temperature-sensitive materials in drums, barrels, or totes, then our ready-to-ship barrel and drum heaters or tote heaters will accommodate your heating needs perfectly. If you store DEF, then take a look at our DEF heaters. If you have palletized product you need to keep warm, check out our Hot Box.

Along with all these great product offerings, however, one of Powerblanket’s greatest contributions to the industries we serve is custom process heating solution for any project under the sun.

Often “custom” connotes extended lead times and a lot of money. With some manufacturers, that may be true, but Powerblanket’s customization process is fluid and effective. We turn around a custom product in a reasonable window. Expect to be wowed.

Whether you need a heating solution for a large or oddly shaped propane tank, truck-mounted water cylinders, valves, manifolds, instrumentation, large scale epoxy curing, or any other specific application, Powerblanket is ready to help.

Custom Heating Solutions from Powerblanket

A reasonable window for completion

The ability to answer varying levels of customization

Certification to universal safety standards

Easy installation and use

Powerblanket engineers solve every kind of temperature problem from simple to very complex. Our expertise guarantees satisfied customers in a very short turnaround time. Need custom heating for these vessels?

Drums / Barrels / Pails

Totes to include Diesel Exhaust Fluid Totes

Gas Cylinders to include Propane and Specialty Gases

Specialty Tanks to include Frac Tanks

Water Transfer Trucks

Water Storage Tanks

Hydraulic Fluid Tanks

Vac Trucks

Industries Powerblanket Serves

With Powerblanket, equipment lasts longer, projects stay on track, and fluids flow smoothly. Use Powerblanket technology year round to achieve total temperature control. Some of the various industries we serve include:

Whether it’s for repair or initial construction, curing epoxy resin on wind turbine blades can be a tricky endeavor. However,...

Need Custom Heating for Your Equipment? Answer These Questions

Do you need custom heating for a specific and unique application? Although there are various standardized heating solutions available, to determine the right solution, either standard or custom, a few initial questions need to be understood. The first of the discovery questions is to identify the desired result of the application which is generally one or a combination of the following:

Freeze Protection: Generally to protect from the elements or cold climate

What is the beginning temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What is the desired final temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What temperature range is acceptable?

Are there upper or lower temperatures where the substance or contents will be damaged?

Is there a time frame requirement for the initial cool down?

What power source is preferred (120, 208, 240, DC)?

How far away is the power source (cord length)?

Do you require UL/CSA certified products?

Is your location considered hazardous (Class I Division 2)?

How many units do you need now and in the future?

What is the required delivery date?

Custom Heating Case Study

Powerblanket completed a project for a large chemical company to solve freeze protection problems. The company stores a chemical solution in large 4,000 to 8,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. Their customers live in various climates throughout North America. This solution is water based and freezes at roughly 32°F. This company needed freeze protection and to maintain regular temperatures between 40°F -70°F.

The question became, “How do we provide a ‘one size fit all’ customized solution for various climates?” Powerblanket created a modular custom design, adjustable by region and tank size, that came in two pieces.

Powerblanket engineers calculated the amount of heat and insulation required to combat freezing temperatures and wind chill to maintain optimal temperatures in these various climates. What appeared to be a complicated application turned into a simple and effective custom solution.

So many industries need heating solutions, and not just during the cold months either. Epoxy curing, chemical storage, viscosity maintenance, food preparations, concrete curing, and much more all benefit from innovative temperature regulation year round.

Custom Heating vs. Ready to Ship Products

Powerblanket manufactures an extensive line of ready-to-ship products designed and engineered for a myriad of purposes. For example, if you store temperature-sensitive materials in drums, barrels, or totes, then our ready-to-ship barrel and drum heaters or tote heaters will accommodate your heating needs perfectly. If you store DEF, then take a look at our DEF heaters. If you have palletized product you need to keep warm, check out our Hot Box.

Along with all these great product offerings, however, one of Powerblanket’s greatest contributions to the industries we serve is custom process heating solution for any project under the sun.

Often “custom” connotes extended lead times and a lot of money. With some manufacturers, that may be true, but Powerblanket’s customization process is fluid and effective. We turn around a custom product in a reasonable window. Expect to be wowed.

Whether you need a heating solution for a large or oddly shaped propane tank, truck-mounted water cylinders, valves, manifolds, instrumentation, large scale epoxy curing, or any other specific application, Powerblanket is ready to help.

Custom Heating Solutions from Powerblanket

A reasonable window for completion

The ability to answer varying levels of customization

Certification to universal safety standards

Easy installation and use

Powerblanket engineers solve every kind of temperature problem from simple to very complex. Our expertise guarantees satisfied customers in a very short turnaround time. Need custom heating for these vessels?

Drums / Barrels / Pails

Totes to include Diesel Exhaust Fluid Totes

Gas Cylinders to include Propane and Specialty Gases

Specialty Tanks to include Frac Tanks

Water Transfer Trucks

Water Storage Tanks

Hydraulic Fluid Tanks

Vac Trucks

Industries Powerblanket Serves

With Powerblanket, equipment lasts longer, projects stay on track, and fluids flow smoothly. Use Powerblanket technology year round to achieve total temperature control. Some of the various industries we serve include:

Oil/Gas

Railroad

Sprayfoam

Coatings

Chemical

Piping

Valves

Instrumentation

Food Processing

Composites

Construction

Precast

Roofing

Industrial

Manufacturing

Specialty Gases

Agriculture

Dairy

Mining

Concrete

Public Works

Excavation

Water Purification

Government & DOD

Fertilizer

Brewing

Fermentation

Welding

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Need Custom Heating for Your Equipment? Answer These Questions

Do you need custom heating for a specific and unique application? Although there are various standardized heating solutions available, to determine the right solution, either standard or custom, a few initial questions need to be understood. The first of the discovery questions is to identify the desired result of the application which is generally one or a combination of the following:

Freeze Protection: Generally to protect from the elements or cold climate

What is the beginning temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What is the desired final temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?

What temperature range is acceptable?

Are there upper or lower temperatures where the substance or contents will be damaged?

Is there a time frame requirement for the initial cool down?

What power source is preferred (120, 208, 240, DC)?

How far away is the power source (cord length)?

Do you require UL/CSA certified products?

Is your location considered hazardous (Class I Division 2)?

How many units do you need now and in the future?

What is the required delivery date?

Custom Heating Case Study

Powerblanket completed a project for a large chemical company to solve freeze protection problems. The company stores a chemical solution in large 4,000 to 8,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. Their customers live in various climates throughout North America. This solution is water based and freezes at roughly 32°F. This company needed freeze protection and to maintain regular temperatures between 40°F -70°F.

The question became, “How do we provide a ‘one size fit all’ customized solution for various climates?” Powerblanket created a modular custom design, adjustable by region and tank size, that came in two pieces.

Powerblanket engineers calculated the amount of heat and insulation required to combat freezing temperatures and wind chill to maintain optimal temperatures in these various climates. What appeared to be a complicated application turned into a simple and effective custom solution.

So many industries need heating solutions, and not just during the cold months either. Epoxy curing, chemical storage, viscosity maintenance, food preparations, concrete curing, and much more all benefit from innovative temperature regulation year round.

Custom Heating vs. Ready to Ship Products

Powerblanket manufactures an extensive line of ready-to-ship products designed and engineered for a myriad of purposes. For example, if you store temperature-sensitive materials in drums, barrels, or totes, then our ready-to-ship barrel and drum heaters or tote heaters will accommodate your heating needs perfectly. If you store DEF, then take a look at our DEF heaters. If you have palletized product you need to keep warm, check out our Hot Box.

Along with all these great product offerings, however, one of Powerblanket’s greatest contributions to the industries we serve is custom process heating solution for any project under the sun.

Often “custom” connotes extended lead times and a lot of money. With some manufacturers, that may be true, but Powerblanket’s customization process is fluid and effective. We turn around a custom product in a reasonable window. Expect to be wowed.

Whether you need a heating solution for a large or oddly shaped propane tank, truck-mounted water cylinders, valves, manifolds, instrumentation, large scale epoxy curing, or any other specific application, Powerblanket is ready to help.

Custom Heating Solutions from Powerblanket

A reasonable window for completion

The ability to answer varying levels of customization

Certification to universal safety standards

Easy installation and use

Powerblanket engineers solve every kind of temperature problem from simple to very complex. Our expertise guarantees satisfied customers in a very short turnaround time. Need custom heating for these vessels?

Drums / Barrels / Pails

Totes to include Diesel Exhaust Fluid Totes

Gas Cylinders to include Propane and Specialty Gases

Specialty Tanks to include Frac Tanks

Water Transfer Trucks

Water Storage Tanks

Hydraulic Fluid Tanks

Vac Trucks

Industries Powerblanket Serves

With Powerblanket, equipment lasts longer, projects stay on track, and fluids flow smoothly. Use Powerblanket technology year round to achieve total temperature control. Some of the various industries we serve include: